Former Commissioner Micheal Herrell is one of two candidates seeking the Republican nomination to the District 7 seat on the Hawkins County Commission.
The Review asked each of the candidates to answer the same five questions. District 7 Commissioner candidate Bobby Lee Jinks chose not to reply to the questionnaire.
The following are Michael Herrell’s responses to those questions.
Why did you decide to run for this office?
Hawkins County is my home. I am a business owner and taxpayer here. I didn’t Iike the direction things were going. I opposed the expanded property usage authorities the county proposed. We also haven’t resolved many of the problems we had when I left the Commission. I continued to receive calls after I vacated the office, and I truly felt like the citizens in my district we’re not being heard. No citizen should have to yell to be heard by the folks, who represent them.
Share your education and employment background, and list any previous political offices you’ve held.
I graduated from Hancock County High School. I completed machinist training at Tennessee Technology Center in 1989 and received my Technical Math certification from East Tennessee State University in 1993. I completed the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship program for advanced manufacturing in 2010. I was employed by ZF/TRW for 35 years and served as a team leader for 16 years. I currently supervise a machining department in Bristol. I also own and operate Precision Technology, which I founded in 1998. I served two terms as a Hawkins County Commissioner. During my tenure as a commissioner, I chaired the Commission, as well as the budget, solid waste, and public safety committees. I have also served on the TCSA budget, veterans’ affairs, education, and governmental affairs committees.
If you are elected what would be your top goals, and what would you like to accomplish by the end of the next first term of office?
I have completed these candidate questionnaires before. The answer will always be the same: conservative fiscal management. I’d add that I’d hope to derail any new and unreasonable authorities or regulations. I want us to function efficiently and be an affordable place to live. Other focus areas are economic development and community services.
Why are you the best, and most qualified candidate for this office?
The reason is simple. If the citizens select me as a public servant, I will actually serve the public. This involves listening, keeping them informed, and being accountable to them. I also think it is important for elected officials to be aware that everyone’s situation is different. One person may be able to manage a tax increase: another may already be deciding between electricity or medicine for the month. To understand how your actions impact people, you need to know the people you represent and hear their concerns.
Speak directly to the voters and tell them why they should vote for you?
If elected, I will represent you to the best of my ability. You will have access to me. I will listen. I will try to answer any questions. As a single vote, the truth is I may not be able to change all things, but I can try to hold the line and sound the alarm when necessary.
Most Popular
Comments / 0